Ongoing thoughts on my martial studies and interests, which encompass almost everything.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Motobu on Naifanchi-Dachi

Watashi
No KarateJutse by Motobu Chokoi

English
translation by Patrick and Yuriko McCarthy

Page 89

Naihanchi Kata

You
may probably already know that there is a kata called Naihanchi, which uses the
Nachimonji-dachi (please refer to photo #3 of Naihanchi). There are those who
believe the proper way to perform the stance is by twisting the toes inward and
squeezing the feet together. Hence it is often taught this way. However, I
believe this to be completely wrong. This way of performing the stance has been
down through the Itosu lineage. However, disciplines of Matsumura and Sakuma
senseijust naturally open their feet up into the eight-shape posture
(hachimonji-dachi) withoutapplication
of power. I once questioned Matsumura and Sakuma about this point. Matsumura
sensei responded by saying“I think the practicality of Itosu’s method
and someone using it could easily defeated.” I considered his comments and
agreed with his theory. Using the hachimonji-dachi by twisting the toes inward
and squeezing them together, as prescribed by Itosu, would be unstable. A
person could be shoved to the ground even if lightly pushed from the rear with
someone’s fingertips. I just don’t think this is the type on stance that
functions very well when power is applied to it. Kata should be taught with the
practical issues it represents. I don’t believe it is wise to teach a student
to apply force to the movements if the application of the technique is
impractical or misunderstood. This is why I disagree with twisting the toes
inward and squeezing the feet together and felt it necessary to clarify my
point.

Motobu
then proceeds to discuss his Naifanchi kata.

Frankly
this is quite interesting.First to indict
the Itosu lineage, which in Japan at that time was the karate of Funakoshi and
Mabuni. The photos of Funakoshi performing Tekki- Shodan (his renames Nihanchi
Kata) are almost identical to those of Motobu. Assuming this had something to do with the rivalry
with Funakoshi.

Thus
I am not sure why he would take space in a book about his karate to criticize others
practices.

But
small points make large differences.

As
I as shown Naihanchi dachi the toes are turned inward. I have seen others who
are parallel footed when doing the kata.In my opinion it does not make a great deal of difference. I can see a
logic behind each practice. If it puts some attacker on the ground. Fine.

Now
what does this mean for Tatsuo Shimabuku.Not sure. This was written in 1932 or 34, perhaps Motobu changed his
thinking. Perhaps this represents Shimabuku Sensei’s own evolution in karate
thinking.